One of several eligibility criteria that need to be met for disability benefits is work history. If certain factors of work history are not there, then the Social Security Administration (SSA) could reject your disability claim. This is why it so important to find out what the eligibility criteria are for work history. Feel free to talk with a Pennsylvania disability lawyer to find out more.

Impact of Work History on Disability Benefits

Work history can affect whether someone is eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI). The Social Security Administration (SSA) collects taxes from payroll and places them into an SSDI trust fund. Without this trust fund, the SSA will not be able to provide SSDI to a person who is requesting disability benefits.

The main criteria that consider work history to determine eligibility for the SSDI program are insured status, inability to do substantial work, and the level of severity. An insured status means the person applying for benefits has worked for at least 5 to ten years. A longer work history means more work credits. Eligibility is partly determined by the number of work credits.

An inability to do substantial work means the person is unable to perform tasks at prior jobs they have worked. This also means not being able to work new jobs. The person might be able to do some jobs, but still not be able to earn enough income to meet basic living needs. The SSA uses substantial work to determine this, which is measured by a certain level of monthly income.

The severity level is just as important in determining eligibility for disability benefits. A disability is deemed severe when the disability is expected to last at least one year or lead to premature death. This disability must have also lasted at least five months by the time the person applies for disability benefits.

What Do I Need for My Work History?

When applying for disability benefits, be prepared to provide documents and information related to your work history. The more information you can provide, the better. This may involve a detailed work history, like a resume, with dates, job descriptions, and job position titles.

Information about your job history that goes back at least 15 years will benefit your application. So will documents related to any workers’ compensation you received as a result of your disability. If you had or have workers’ compensation, include information on the date of your work injury, claim number, and other relevant details.

The SSA will also request your financial information to set up how you will be paid benefits. Try contacting a Pennsylvania disability lawyer if you have questions about how any of this works.

Disability Attorney in Pennsylvania

Navigating all the eligibility criteria for disability benefits can be confusing. Reach out to a Pennsylvania group disability insurance attorney if you have questions about whether your work history meets the eligibility criteria. Contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today about your disability claim. Our legal team might be able to help you secure the disability benefits you need.